I had a chance to count the empty store fronts on the Avenue again before I left for the long weekend. The good news is things are looking pretty healthy on the Avenew! There are 11 empty storefronts right now that tend towards the El Camino end of the street. The good news is that quite a few have new tenants who are remodeling and expected to open soon.
During my travels, I stopped by Paso Robles and visited and dined on The Square. You will recall Paso Robles was hard hit by an earthquake that took many of their original brick buildings. The Oddfellows building (IOOF) and a few other cool ones have survived. I was struck by how nicely the replacements were done. Their Powell's Sweets Shoppe was very cute and new, but the real eye opener was how well-integrated their new downtown movie theatre fit into the pedestrian-friendly venue. Here are two photos that go in the "Boy, wouldn't that be nice in B'game" category.
Next to a legitimate live music club a la Yoshi's or even a remodeled Route 66, this would be at the top of my wish list. Sure beats another 150-200 condos.
Humm, maybe it is just the photo, but I think this building is ugly(!) From this view, it looks to me like a 1980s office complex with a too-heavy roof, clad in cheap tile, and columns that look too unsubstantial for the overhang. (It needs to go to Burlingame Design Review, seriously.)
Down in that direction, Westwood has several authentic versions of corner theaters that are stunning, and they do fit into the lively streets very beautifully.
Posted by: jennifer | September 04, 2012 at 08:28 AM